As someone who was fortunate enough to be alive and kicking back in 2005, I must say that year was quite the whirlwind! One movie from that year that still holds a special place in my heart is “Hitch”. Will Smith, as always, delivered an outstanding performance as the charming yet awkward dating guru. But what really made this film stand out for me was watching Hitch’s own romantic journey unfold alongside his professional one. It was a refreshing twist on the typical rom-com formula and it resonated with me because who among us hasn’t found ourselves in a situation where our usual charm doesn’t quite cut it?
2005 feels like a lifetime ago, yet here we are, two decades later. Time moves swiftly, regardless of whether you were a youngster or a grown-up in the early 2000s. That year was quite a cinematic gem, filled with movies that make us reminisce fondly. From franchises being born to sagas concluding, and everything in between – standalone projects we’ve grown to love – 2005 had it all. Whether you’re a fan of superhero flicks or rom-coms, historical epics or animated masterpieces, there was something for everyone that year. If 2024 didn’t make you feel your age, perhaps 2025 will!
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of 2005’s motion pictures (we didn’t even include “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”), and there are several more we can think of off the top of our heads that would also do the trick as far as aging a person is concerned. But with these 10 films, we’ve tried to cover a wide range of movies that came out two decades ago. Some are based on comic books, some are true stories, and others take place on the other side of the world, — assuming you’re reading this from America, that is.
If you’ve been yearning for a nostalgic journey and a return to a less technologically advanced era, these are ten films from 2025 that you might want to rewatch. They’ll make you feel a bit more mature, even though they’ve maintained their elegance over time.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Back in May 2005, eager fans had long awaited to witness how filmmaker George Lucas would wrap up his legendary six-part “Star Wars” series. Following the divided opinions on “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” and its sequel “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” it was the third prequel movie that finally won hearts. Titled “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” this final installment concluded the original “Star Wars” narrative, depicting Anakin Skywalker’s (played by Hayden Christensen) heart-wrenching fall to the dark side and transformation into Darth Vader. Not only does “Revenge of the Sith” provide a powerful ending for the trilogy, but it also showcased George Lucas’ imaginative vision of this distant galaxy in an epic manner.
In comparison to previous installments, the special effects in this movie have aged quite well. The initial space battle is still one of the most impressive in the series, further enhanced by John Williams’ magnificent soundtrack. Notably, the lightsaber duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan (played by Ewan McGregor) remains visually stunning. Contrary to expectations in 2005, “Episode III” wasn’t just another chapter but the supposed final installment of the greater “Star Wars” saga. George Lucas didn’t produce any more “Star Wars” films after “Revenge of the Sith.” Although “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” was released a few years later to fill the gap between the second and third prequels, “Episode III” served as the conclusion of the saga for almost a decade.
Batman Begins
Following a series of modest successes in the early 2000s, such as “Memento” and “Insomnia,” the rising filmmaker Christopher Nolan was given control of the Batmobile with the release of “Batman Begins” in 2005. This reboot of the franchise, which had been criticized by Joel Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin,” saw Nolan steer the Dark Knight towards a darker, more realistic path that echoed comics like “Batman: Year One” instead of the lighthearted 1960s Adam West series. The film, starring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, demonstrated to both Hollywood and audiences that the Dark Knight still had a lot of stories to tell and that DC Comics characters could be effectively portrayed on the big screen. This move propelled Nolan’s career even further into the limelight.
It’s astonishing to think that it’s been 20 years since “The Dark Knight” trilogy’s first installment, “Begins,” hit theaters, yet watching it today still feels as vibrant and captivating as it did back then. Among Christopher Nolan’s Batman films, Christian Bale delivers his finest portrayal in “Begins.” The film depicts Bruce Wayne not only as a crime-fighting vigilante but also as the lost and uncertain son of Gotham City, struggling with both the city’s troubles and his own personal hardships. As we witness his transformation into a hero, we are equally inspired by his selfless mission. It’s no surprise that at the end of “The Dark Knight Rises” in 2012, all of Gotham was moved by Batman’s influence. The chemistry between Bale and Liam Neeson, who portrays Bruce’s mentor-turned-adversary, R’as al Ghul, is particularly noteworthy. Their battle on thin ice remains one of the most memorable moments in Batman movie history.
Walk the Line
Amongst musician biopics, James Mangold’s “Walk the Line,” released in 2005, stands out as one of the finest. The film depicts the life story of Johnny Cash, portrayed exceptionally by Joaquin Phoenix, starting from the late 1940s when the future country music sensation was burdened by a family tragedy he could never fully overcome. The narrative then moves to the ’50s and eventually the ’60s, which form the main setting of the movie, as Johnny experiences both success and wealth in the music industry.
Beyond being a captivating storyline, the movie “Walk the Line” boasts numerous musical performances that are drawn directly from Cash’s songbook. Joaquin Phoenix delivers convincing imitations of Cash’s vocals, while Reese Witherspoon brings June Carter’s tunes to life with incredible vigor. It’s no surprise that Witherspoon garnered an Academy Award for her portrayal. Despite the plethora of musical biopics in recent times, “Walk the Line” stands out as a remarkable film, not only showcasing one of the 20th century’s greatest musicians but also highlighting the exceptional acting talents of Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Additionally, this film marked director James Mangold’s initial interest in Johnny Cash, an interest that would continue with his 2017 production, “Logan.
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
The charm of an animation technique like stop-motion stands out because, unlike traditional or computer-generated animations, it doesn’t seem to grow older over time. For instance, “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride,” despite being 20 years old now, may not appear that way at first glance. Given that it was Burton’s third stop-motion film, following “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “James and the Giant Peach,” it remains one of his most memorable productions to date. The film stars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, frequent collaborators with Burton, and tells a unique story that combines elements of horror and fantasy. It revolves around a young man (Depp) who unintentionally promises himself to a revenant in the underworld, who is determined to marry her Victorian-era fiancé.
In an extraordinary fashion, only a filmmaker of Burton’s talent could have breathed life into the enchanting story of “Corpse Bride,” despite sharing directorial duties with Mike Johnson. Unlike typical fairy tales, “Corpse Bride” leaves a lasting impression, whether it be after the closing credits or your first encounter with the Land of the Dead. With catchy musical sequences that underscore its creative concept, characters reminiscent of Burton’s style, and stop-motion animation that remains visually impressive even decades later, “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” is an unforgettable gem. Even if its 20th anniversary serves as a reminder of the passage of time, there’s still plenty to cherish about this captivating tale of the undead.
War of the Worlds
Though H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” had been around for decades beforehand, it wasn’t until 2005 that Steven Spielberg decided to tackle a blockbuster adaptation of the novel. Replacing 1800s England with 21st-century America and casting Tom Cruise as his sci-fi hero, Spielberg brought the classic tale to life in an inventive new way that impressed critics at the time of release. And rightfully so, as this alien invasion picture deviates enough from the original story to keep things interesting, with modern effects bringing the invaders to life. It’s a pulse-pounding thriller that pits Cruise’s Ray Ferrier and his family against the impending Martian threat, alien invaders that are, in their way, even scarier than the Facehuggers from “Alien.”
While “War of the Worlds” is neither Spielberg’s nor Cruise’s most notable picture, it’s still a daring collaboration that brings out the best in both. We can see the “Saving Private Ryan” director’s distinct style in the initial attack wave spearheaded by the alien tripods as clearly as we can see Cruise’s lust for adventure as he rummages through the hellish, war-torn (mostly) New England landscape. That scene where Ray walks through the wreckage of an airliner is still as eerie as ever, and it’s no wonder that the crash site is still included as a stop on the Universal Studios Tour. Given that “War of the Worlds” was one of the highest-grossing pictures of ’05, it’s one worthy of remembering.
The Proposition
In contrast to typical Western movies set in the American Wild West, some tales unfold in distant lands like Australia. This is exactly what happens with the 2005 film “The Proposition,” which transports viewers to 1880s Australia. The story revolves around a gunslinger, played by Guy Pearce, who finds himself in a perilous situation: he must choose between killing one brother to save another. Directed by John Hillcoat and written by musician Nick Cave, this movie stands out as an unusual Western, leaving a lasting impression. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert even declared it “a movie you cannot turn away from,” labeling it as both “pitiless” and “uncompromising.” It’s no surprise that it played a significant role in inspiring the video game “Red Dead Redemption.
When “The Proposition” was initially screened, it was only shown in Australia, which makes its inclusion somewhat questionable due to its technical American release in May 2006. Given that the film originated in 2005, we felt compelled to feature it. A poignant and brutal movie, “The Proposition” portrays the harshness of the wild Australian outback and the brutality of colonialism, encapsulated within a narrative that revolves around love and family, albeit a tragic one. There’s a depth to this film beyond a typical revenge story, with Pearce’s performance providing a rare insight into an under-represented era of the late 19th century.
A History of Violence
2005 proved to be an exceptional year for comic book movie adaptations, with “Batman Begins” joining films such as “Sin City,” “V for Vendetta,” “Fantastic Four,” “Elektra,” and “Constantine” in theaters that year. However, among these, “A History of Violence” stood out as particularly captivating. This film was based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, and it tells the story of Tom Stall, a diner owner from Indiana who is not just an ordinary family man, but a former hitman who once belonged to the Philadelphia mob and has since left that life behind.
Under the guidance of body horror filmmaker David Cronenberg, “A History of Violence” isn’t for those with delicate sensibilities, yet its explorations into humanity’s internal wrestling with complex ideas are utterly captivating. Unlike typical comic book movies filled with superheroes and extraordinary abilities, it stands out as one of the most intellectually stimulating films to have emerged from the comic book realm.
In the era when DVDs and Blu-rays were replacing VHS as the dominant home video format, “A History of Violence” might have appeared somewhat dated. However, its enduring message remains strikingly contemporary. Notably, actor Viggo Mortensen, who played significant roles in Peter Jackson’s renowned “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, expressed in 2014 that the film is not only one of his best performances but possibly among the finest he’s ever delivered.
Kingdom of Heaven
2005 marked a significant departure for “Lord of the Rings” actor Orlando Bloom, who established himself as a versatile talent beyond his iconic roles. In Ridley Scott’s historical epic, “Kingdom of Heaven,” Bloom delivers a compelling portrayal of Balian of Ibelin, a Crusader grappling with his faith and morals on his journey to the Holy Land of Jerusalem. The film features an ensemble cast including Liam Neeson as Barisan “Godfrey” of Ibelin and Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. “Kingdom of Heaven” offers a unique perspective by challenging some religious ideologies its characters uphold. Although the theatrical version is commendable, it merely hints at Scott’s vision; his director’s cut, lasting four hours, is more comprehensive and feels more fully realized.
Among the movies on this list, “Kingdom of Heaven,” which was heavily criticized by critics initially, has amassed a dedicated fanbase over time. While it may not be Orlando Bloom’s most well-known film, it’s hard to overlook. If you enjoyed “Gladiator,” then this historical epic is a must-watch, providing an intriguing perspective on the intense clash between Christians and Muslims in the 12th century. Although the topic was timely in the early 2000s, today, “Kingdom of Heaven” seems even more relevant, particularly considering its closing message. Essentially, the film implies that peace in the Kingdom of Heaven is still an unattainable goal after nearly a millennium.
Madagascar
There’s no denying the charm of an exciting animated journey! If you were a child in 2005, it’s highly likely that “Madagascar” – an animated feature – would have been part of your viewing experience. For someone similar to this writer, it might have been through this movie that you first discovered Madagascar (the island nation). Initially stars at the Central Park Zoo, the characters Alex the lion (played by Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) experience a shock when they are inadvertently shipped to an island far away from New York City. Along their journey to get back home, this unlikely group of friends (with Marty being the exception, as he seems to enjoy their new life) learn to adapt to their new environment and must learn how to survive in the wild – a stark contrast to the pampered lifestyle they’d grown accustomed to.
Apart from being hilarious and featuring jokes that adults can appreciate, “Madagascar” stands out due to an exceptional cast who excel in their roles. For instance, David Schwimmer’s portrayal of a neurotic giraffe is brilliant, while Ben Stiller and Chris Rock as friends on opposite ends of the food chain create comedy magic. However, our four main animals aren’t the only stars here; the island is also inhabited by a group of tactical penguins, the royal lemur King Julien (played by Sacha Baron Cohen), and numerous other creatures that make “Madagascar” a movie worth remembering. It’s no surprise that this film spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs, keeping its unique group of characters alive and thriving in the entertainment world.
Hitch
If you’re in the mood for a laugh-out-loud yet mature comedy from 2005, “Will Smith’s ‘Hitch'” could be just what you need. Unlike a typical romantic comedy, it offers a blend of both genres. In this film, Will Smith portrays Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a seasoned dating consultant who helps his clients win over women. He encounters Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), a client who has fallen for one of his own clients, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). Despite his professional triumphs, Hitch struggles to form meaningful relationships himself until he develops feelings for a gossip columnist named Sara Melas (Eva Mendes). However, his usual tactics fail with Sara, making it challenging for him to connect with her on a deeper level.
Re-watching “Hitch” today remains a delightful experience. Though some parts might feel slightly old-fashioned and not entirely timeless, there’s an emotional appeal to the film that keeps it charming after two decades. The on-screen chemistry between Smith and James is palpable, and witnessing Smith trying to woo Mendes never fails to entertain, regardless of how many times you’ve watched the movie. Their romance, amidst his peculiar consulting role, makes you cheer for Hitch even when it seems inappropriate. Though it may not have been the standout film of 2005, “Hitch” is one that leaves a lasting impression years later.
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2024-12-14 20:31